1. Fire and Ice: Matt Ryan generally comes across as one of the more pleasant, even-tempered quarterbacks in the league. But his tongue can get sharp in the huddle, and he’s got every reason to be ornery after watching his running backs go nowhere in 2013 and his top wideout land on injured reserve all before security blanket Tony Gonzalez retired. Oh, and Ryan was also sacked a career-high 44 times. Here’s hoping the man known as Matty Ice gets hotter than the weather now and again as he tries to whip the offense back into contending shape.

2. Roddy White: Can’t get enough of the franchise’s all-time leading receiver … (and did he sign his new extension last month while NFL Films was rolling?). Not camera shy, funny, even a good follow on Twitter (@RoddyWhiteTV) — where he’s not afraid to express, um, off-the-wall opinions on occasion. Even if some have worried the Falcons are a somewhat vanilla team, White rarely fails to provide some chocolate sauce and sprinkles.

3. Steven Jackson: Playing for the 4-12 Falcons last year and the lackluster St. Louis Rams before that, Jackson’s profile has long been suppressed by his losing clubs. Yet he’s also one of the NFL’s more intriguing personalities — his photography was even on display at a Los Angeles gallery last month. Let’s hope the Hard Knocks crew had occasion to follow the Las Vegas native around a bit this summer before he reported to Flowery Branch, Ga.

4. New nest: The Falcons are hoping to have a new downtown stadium on line for the 2017 season. The concept drawings sure make the new yard appear like a compelling place to watch a football game (or Major League Soccer game … maybe). A virtual tour from team owner Arthur Blank this summer would be cool, and we wouldn’t mind seeing him go to Home Depot to shop for some paint and nails for his new pad.

5. Dimitroff watch: Thomas Dimitroff may be the most interesting interview among all NFL general managers. Why? He’s engaging, witty and can get well outside the football comfort zone if you want to talk politics, pop culture or classic literature. He’s also got cool hair and would rather be on his bicycle than in a car. He should more than compensate for head coach Mike Smith — one of the nicest people you’ll meet, but also a guy who will gladly duck HBO’s attention.